Ascent is a leading provider of innovative financial products and student support services that enable more students to access education and achieve academic and economic success. Everything Ascent offers is designed with the best-in-class teams and technology to increase every student's ability to plan, pay, and succeed in their education and career. Ascent's planning tools and financing resources are co-created by students for those in college, graduate school, and career training programs. Ascent offers financial wellness education, student success services, and one-on-one and digital career coaching that put students' academic and professional goals within reach. Ascent has been widely recognized for its strong culture – named “Best Places to Work” by the San Diego Business Journal for the past 5 years – and as an industry leader – named “Best Student Loan” by NerdWallet for the past 3 years.SummaryAs a Senior Accountant, you will take on complex accounting responsibilities, including general ledger maintenance and reconciliation, financial reporting, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations. You will assist the Senior Accounting Manager with month-end and year-end closing processes, along with financial statement audits. You will report to the Senior Accounting Manager and work closely with other departments to provide accurate and timely financial information.Responsibilities
- Lead complex accounting activities which include preparing both corporate and loan transaction journal entries for multiple entities
- Reconcile general ledger accounts, bank statements, and intercompany transactions
- Oversee and streamline accounts payable and receivable functions including vendor management, preparation of customer invoices, and collections management
- Prepare and analyze financial statements, such as income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement
- Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes and reporting
- Drive automation efforts within the accounting department to improve efficiency and accuracy using Excel, NetSuite, and other technology platforms
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax laws, and internal policies and procedures
- Support external and internal audits and provide supporting documentation
- Perform variance analysis and identify areas for improvement
- Maintain and update fixed asset records and depreciation schedules
- Respond to accounting inquiries and requests from management and other departments
- Research and resolve accounting issues and discrepancies along with keeping up to date on accounting standards, regulations, and best practices
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field, Master’s degree is a plus
- Minimum 3+ years’ experience in hands-on detailed accounting
- CPA certification or working towards CPA certification is preferred
- Advanced user with Excel and accounting software ERP’s, such as NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Sage Intacct; SQL and API experience a plus
- Demonstrated experience with software implementations, process improvements, and time savings
- Strong knowledge of GAAP with attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure
Competitive pay with bonus, and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but not limited to:
- Compensation includes base salary of $80,000 - $85,000 commensurate with experience, plus bonus and options
- Company Stock Options
- 401(k) + Company Match
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Annual HSA contribution of $1,600
- Life insurance, disability, and critical illness
- 14 Paid Holidays! Eleven (11) + Two (2) Community Days + Your Birthday!
- Snacks and drinks in the office
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Generous paid leave policies
- $2,000 Vacation Incentive Plan after 3 years + $1,000 Sabbatical Day
- Wellness, Work from Home funds, and more!
Top Skills
What We Do
Ascent is built around one guiding principle: Student loans should expand possibilities, not limit them. That’s why Ascent created a new private student loan program that gives students more opportunities to qualify for a loan, with or without a cosigner. Ascent loans are originated by Richland State Bank, Member FDIC. Ascent encourages transparency and financial wellness by incorporating financial education into the application process, preserving the notion that an education is an investment where students and families should understand the return on their investment relative to the cost. Ascent offers benefits (such as 1% cash back, scholarships, a Refer a Friend Program, a Rewards Program, and more) as well as free resources that set students and families up for financial success.
